The latest Ghana Human Development Report 2023 (GNHDR) has shed light on a concerning trend: a staggering 65% of Ghanaian youth aged 15 to 24 are unemployed, highlighting a critical challenge to the country’s socio-economic development.
Released in Accra on June 26, 2024, by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Ghana Statistical Service and the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the report also underscores that 75% of Ghana’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where jobs are typically unstable and offer low pay.
UNDP’s Resident Representative in Ghana, Angela Lusigi, emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in human capital, education, infrastructure, and technology to foster sustainable job creation, particularly targeting the youth.
“Building human capital and improving infrastructure are crucial steps for Ghana to create a conducive environment for sustainable employment,” Lusigi stated.
Government Statistician Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim echoed these sentiments, urging stakeholders to prioritize inclusive growth and implement policies that promote sustainable job creation.
“The insights from this report call for policies that foster inclusive growth and create sustainable employment opportunities,” Prof. Annim affirmed.
Director-General of the NDPC, Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa, highlighted the importance of streamlining regulations and formalizing the informal sector to harness its potential. “Investing in infrastructure and supporting entrepreneurship are vital strategies to unlock the capabilities of Ghana’s youth and informal sector,” Mensah-Abrampa noted.
The GNHDR report advocates for a comprehensive approach, recommending the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEM/STEAM) education and entrepreneurial training. This, it argues, will equip young Ghanaians with the skills needed for future job markets and economic participation.
Looking forward, the report calls for a national long-term plan that prioritizes job creation, infrastructure development, and educational reforms. These initiatives aim to ensure equitable access to decent work and improved living standards for all Ghanaians by 2030 and beyond.
Click on the link to access the full report.